Filter cartridge endplate with integrated flow structure

ABSTRACT

A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, it separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/372,834, filed Jul. 17, 2014, which is a National Stage ofPCT Application No. PCT/CN2012/071499, filed Feb. 23, 2012. The contentsof all three applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to an endplate for a fluid filtercartridge. Particularly, the endplate has an integrated flow structure.The integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed atthe center of the endplate, where the flow portions each have a channel,and where the channels separate fluids that enter and exit the filtercartridge, or that separate fluids that exit the filter cartridge. Theintegrated flow structure of the endplate has a separator built into theendplate that separates the flow configuration. For example, theintegrated flow structure can allow for a working fluid to be filteredby the filter cartridge to flow toward the center of the endplate andinto the filter cartridge, and can allow for filtered fluid to flowthrough the center of the endplate and out of the filter cartridge. Theseparator for example can also direct the working fluid away from thecenter of the endplate and toward the sides of the filter cartridge.

BACKGROUND

Fluid filter cartridges are well known, such as for example, as employedin protected systems of engines, used for fluid filtration, includingfor example filtration of oil, fuel, coolant, air, exhaust fluids,hydraulic fluids, crankcase ventilation and condensates, and intake air.

Improvements can be made to the flow structure to and from a fluidfilter cartridge.

SUMMARY

Generally, a filter cartridge endplate is described herein that has anintegrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structurehas a separator composed of concentric flow portions disposed toward acenter of the endplate, where the separator is built into the endplateand separates fluid flow, Among other advantages, improved flowcharacteristics and ease of maintenance can be obtained by the endplatestructure, filter cartridge and filtration module configurationsdescribed herein.

In one embodiment, a filter cartridge endplate with an integrated flowstructure comprises a plate with a major surface, and a separator thatprotrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator includes afirst flow portion and a second flow portion. The first flow portion isdisposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion. The firstand second flow portions are concentrically arranged relative to theplate. The first and second flow portions are disposed toward a centerof the major surface. The first flow portion includes a channel and thesecond flow portion includes a channel. The respective channels areconfigured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, andconfigured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center ofthe plate.

In one embodiment of the endplate according to any of the above, thefirst flow portion and the second flow portion are configured to allow afluid to be filtered to flow toward the center of the plate and throughthe channel of the first flow portion, and configured to allow filteredfluid to flow through the center of the plate and out of the filtercartridge.

In another embodiment of the endplate according to any of the above, atleast one of the first flow portion and the second flow portion includesa side opening in fluid communication with the respective channel. Inone embodiment, the side opening is configured to direct the fluid awayfrom the center of the plate and toward its sides.

In one embodiment, a filter cartridge comprises a filter media with anendplate disposed on each end thereof, such that one of the endplatescomprises the endplate of according to any of the above.

The endplate structure above can improve the flow configuration to andfrom a filter cartridge, and can make servicing and maintenance moreconvenient and clean.

In one embodiment, a filtration module comprises the filter cartridgeabove. In one embodiment, the filtration module is an oil filter andcooler module. The arrangement of the filter cartridge within thefiltration module can improve fluid flow, heat exchange, and servicing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter cartridgeendplate.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the endplate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the endplate of FIG. 1 taken from line B-Bof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the endplate of FIG. 1 taken from A-A ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the endplate of FIG. 1 shown with afiltration module and assembled as part of a filter cartridge,

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the endplate of FIG. 1 showing afluid flow configuration through the endplate.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filtration module,for example an oil filter and cooler module.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the filtration module of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the filtration module of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the filtration module of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of fluid flow through the filtration module ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the head portion and flow body of thefiltration module of FIG. 7 showing the flow path through the flow bodyand head.

FIG. 13 is a side partial sectional view of the filtration module ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is another side partial sectional view of the filtration moduleof FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the head portion and flow body of thefiltration module of FIG. 7 showing internal bypass valves of thefiltration module.

FIG. 16 is another top view of the flow body of the filtration module ofFIG. 7 showing the flow path and a system bypass path of the filtrationmodule.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the filtration module of FIG. 7shown in one example of an exploded view.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the filtration module of FIG. 7showing one embodiment of drain port and plug.

FIG. 19 is a side partial sectional view of the drain port and plug ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a filter cartridgeendplate.

FIG. 21 is another sectional view of the endplate of FIG. 20 shownconnected to a filtration module.

FIG. 22 is a close-up sectional view of one embodiment of a retentionstructure of the endplate.

FIG. 23 is another side section view of the endplate of FIG. 20 shownconnected to a housing for a filtration module.

FIG. 24 is an end perspective view of the endplate and housing of FIG.23.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a filter cartridgeendplate shown connected as part of a filter cartridge, partially shown.

FIG. 26 is another sectional view of the endplate of FIG. 25 shownconnected as part of a filter cartridge and connected to a filtrationmodule, and showing a fluid flow configuration through the endplate.

FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of filtercartridge employing the endplate of FIG. 25 with a slight variation.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a filter cartridgeendplate shown connected as part of a filter cartridge and connected toa filtration module, and showing a fluid flow configuration through theendplate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, a filter cartridge endplate as described herein has anintegrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structurehas concentric flow portions disposed at the center of the endplate,where a separator is built into the endplate that separates fluid flow.

For example, the flow portions form channels that separate fluids thatenter and exit the filter cartridge. The integrated flow structure canallow for a working fluid to be filtered by the filter cartridge to flowtoward the center of the endplate and into the filter cartridge and canallow for filtered fluid to flow through the center of the endplate andout of the filter cartridge. The separator for example can also directthe working fluid away from the center of the endplate and toward thesides of the filter cartridge.

FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment of an integrated flow structure builtwithin an endplate 12. The integrated flow structure includes aseparator 10 that can generally be constructed to resemble a spud thatprotrudes axially away from a major surface of the endplate 12. In theembodiment shown, the separator 10 is disposed about a center of theendplate. In one example, the separator 10 extends axially from and maybe centered along a center line through the endplate. See FIGS. 3 and 4.

The separator 10 includes a first flow portion 14 connected to a secondflow portion 16. In one embodiment, the first flow portion 14 may be aninlet for a fluid to be filtered. The first flow portion 14 directsfluid to enter a filter cartridge to which the endplate 12 is connected.In one embodiment, the second flow portion 16 may be an outlet for afluid that has been filtered to be directed from the filter cartridge towhich the endplate 12 is connected. For ease of description, the firstflow portion 14 and second flow portion 16 are described as an inlet andoutlet respectively. However it will be appreciated that both the firstflow portion 14 and second flow portion 16 may be employed as outletsfor separate fluids, such as for example when another inlet may beemployed.

As shown, the first flow portion 14 is disposed radially inward relativeto the second flow portion 16. The first flow portion 14 has an inletformed by channel 22 and the second flow portion 16 has an outlet formedby channel 24, In one embodiment, the first flow portion 14 and secondflow portion 16 are concentrically arranged. See FIGS. 2 and 4. Forexample, fluid to be filtered can enter the endplate structure throughthe inlet available through channel 22, and filtered fluid can exitthrough the endplate 12 and through the outlet available through thechannel 24. In one embodiment, there are two channels 24. See FIGS. 2and 4. In one example, the channels 22, 24 allow for axial flow to andfrom the endplate 12, and that is localized toward the center of theendplate 12.

In one embodiment, the first flow portion 14 includes at least one sideopening 26. FIG. 3 shows two side openings 26, but it will beappreciated that there may be more than two if appropriate. Each sideopening 26 is in fluid communication with the channel 22, and directsflow from the channel 22 out of the first flow portion 14 and separator10. Fluid flow is directed toward the sides or rim of the endplate 12.It will be appreciated that if the side opening(s) 26 and channel 22 areemployed as an outlet, then flow would enter the separator 10 from theside and into the first flow portion 14.

The separator 10 may include sealing capability, for example when acartridge, to which the endplate 12 is connected, connects to areceiving portion of a filtration module. In one embodiment, groove 18and groove 20 are respectively disposed on the first flow portion 14 andthe second flow portion 16. Each of groove 18, 20 may have a seal memberdisposed in each groove, such as but not limited to an o-ring or gaskettype seal member. For example, the seal member in groove 18 sealsfiltered fluid from non-filtered fluid and the seal member in groove 20seals from leakage outside a filtration system in which the endplate 12is employed.

It will also be appreciated that instead of grooves 18, 20, the outersurface or rim of the first flow portion 14 and the second flow portion16 may be constructed as sealing portions without the need for extrasealing members, such as for example by interference fit or press fitagainst respective surfaces of a filtration module that receives thefirst flow portion 14 and second flow portion 16 of the separator 10.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the endplate 12 and separator 10 assembledas part of a filter cartridge 28. One modification of the endplate 12shown in FIG. 5 is that an axial flange extends upward at the rim of theendplate 12, which is not shown in FIGS. 1-4. Otherwise, like referencenumbers of the separator 10 elements shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are notfurther described.

The filter cartridge 28 has a top endplate 36 and the bottom endplate 12including the separator 10. The filter cartridge 28 has a filter mediaand can have a center tube around which the filter media is disposed.Such a filter media configuration is well known. As shown in FIG. 5, thefilter cartridge 28 may be connected to a shell or housing 32, such asfor example by connection of a retention structure on the top endplate36 to a top portion 34 of the shell 32 that receives the retentionstructure of the top endplate 36. In some examples, the retentionstructure can be but it is not limited to an axial flange extendingupward from the top endplate 36 with a barb that connects to a catch onthe top portion 34 of the shell 32.

The filter cartridge 28 and shell 32 can be connected to a filter head30 of a filtration module. In the example shown, the filtration modulemay be but is not limited to an oil filter and cooler module and thefilter cartridge 28 may be configured as top load. For example, thefilter head 30 has an accommodating structure to receive the shell 32and filter cartridge 28, as well as the first flow portion 14 and secondflow portion 16 of the separator 10. In some embodiments, the shell 32has a thread on its outer surface that connects with a thread on aninner surface of the filter head 30. A seal member such as an o-ring maybe used to seal the outer surface of the shell 32 with the inner surfaceof the filter head 30.

The retention structure described above can allow for the filtercartridge 28 and shell 32 to be installed together as a single unit andbe removed as a single unit from the filter head 30. Such aconfiguration can allow for an ease of installation and/or servicing.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the fluid flow configuration through the endplate12, For example, fluid to be filtered enters the first flow portion 14and then is directed to the rim of the endplate 12. The fluid then flowsto the sides of the filter cartridge 28 where it may be filtered by thefilter media (see curved arrows entering the filter media of the filtercartridge). Once inside the center of the filter media, filtered fluidflows to the endplate 12 and through the second flow portion 16 andexits the endplate 12 and separator 10.

FIGS. 7-19 show one embodiment of a filtration module 100 into which afilter cartridge, e.g. 28, including the endplate 12 and its separator10 may be implemented. In the example shown, the filtration module 100may be employed, for example as an oil filter and cooler module. Forease of description, the filtration module may be referred to as an oilfilter and cooler module. It will be appreciated, however, that thefiltration module 100 and its features are not necessarily limited tothe filtration and cooling of oil. For example, the filtration module100 may be employed where fluid filtration and heat exchange principlesmay be needed and/or desired.

FIGS. 7-10 show various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of thefiltration module 100. The filtration module 100 includes a flow body102, a shell 104, and a cooler component 116. The flow body 102 includesan inlet port 108, an outlet port 110, a service port 112, and a systembypass port 114. Plugs may be used to physically close any of the ports.In some embodiments, the flow body 102 and shell 104 may be constructedof a material such as but not limited to a metal material, for examplealuminum.

The shell 104 connects to a head portion 146. The shell 104 and headportion 146 may be similar in construction as the shell 32 and filterhead 30 in FIG. 5, and can include an attachment feature 106, such asfor example a socket, that allows for connection and/or disconnection ofthe shell 104 to the head portion 146 of the flow body 102. As withshell 32 and filter head 30, the shell 104 can connect to the headportion 146 of the flow body 102 such as for example through a threadedconnection.

The cooler component 116 may be a counter flow oil cooler composed ofmultiple plates, for example four plates as shown in the Figures.Counter flow oil coolers with similar plate structures are known and notfurther described.

FIG. 11 shows a diagram of fluid flow through an oil filtration systemthat employs as one example the filtration module 100 and with referenceto module 100 components shown in FIGS. 7-10. Generally, an oil pump 52pumps oil to a cylinder block 54. The filtration module 100 allows oilto enter the inlet 108 of the flow body 102 to first be cooled 56 by thecooler component 116. After cooling, the oil may be filtered 58 by afilter cartridge, which is housed by the shell 104 and head portion 146of the flow body 102. After being filtered, the oil can return to thecylinder block 60.

In some embodiments, if pressure in the system is too high, a pressurerelief valve for the system may open to allow oil to exit the filtrationmodule 100 before being cooled 66 and return to the oil pan 68, where itmay later be pumped back into the system. For example, system bypassport 114 may allow for release of oil from the filtration module 100when system pressure is high. Other bypass and self-regulation may beemployed within the module 100. For example, FIG. 11 shows oil flow to ashort valve 64, such as for example when the cooler 56 is blocked, theoil can then flow through short valve 64. For example, oil may releasefrom the shell 104 and filter head 102 through a part of the serviceport 112 to the bypass port 114. See also e.g. FIGS. 18 and 19.Self-regulation 62 may be employed to continue to allow flow through thesystem, for example where internal bypass valves may be used to accountfor blockage by the cooler component 116 or blockage of the filter mediaof the filter cartridge. See also e.g. FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIGS. 12-16 also show the flow path through the filtration module 100.In FIG. 12, oil flows into the inlet and proceeds through channel 118which, with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 12, extends upwardand to the right. The channel 118 allows oil to proceed to the coolercomponent 116 (under the flow body 102) which, respect to theorientation shown in FIG. 12, would allow flow in the direction goinginto the page. FIG. 13 shows oil flow from channel 118 through thecooler component 116.

With reference to FIG. 14 and with reference back to FIG. 12, oil flowsthrough the cooler component 116 and back to the head portion of theflow body 102, so that the cooled oil can be filtered by the filtermedia for example of the filter cartridge 29. As shown in FIGS. 13 and14, the separator 10 of the endplate 12 is connected to the filtercartridge 29. The filter cartridge 29 can be similar to the filtercartridge 28, except that the filter cartridge 29 does not include theretention structure at the top endplate. It will be appreciated that thefilter cartridge 28 may also be employed in filtration module 100.

The separator 10 allows oil to flow into the shell 104 and head portion146, which is sealed by a seal member 142. Oil flows through inlet 128to access the filtration area (see FIG. 12). Similar to FIG. 5, theseparator 10, with its first and second flow portions 14, 16 and sealscan engage the head portion 146 of the flow body 102, while the shell104 connects with the head portion 146 of the flow body 102.

With further reference to FIG. 12, filtered oil may exit through outlet130 into channel 120 and out of the flow body 102. The filtration module100 also includes a service drain channel 122 and a system bypasschannel 124. The service drain channel 122 is in fluid communicationwith an opening of the head portion 146, so as to allow for oil to bedrained for example from the filtration area of the shell 104, filtercartridge 29, and head portion 146. The system bypass channel 124 may bein fluid communication with the channel 118 of the inlet 108, and mayopen when system pressure is too high.

The filtration module 100 also includes bypass passages 138, 140 to andfrom the filtration area of the shell 102 and head portion 146. Bypasspassage 138 can allow bypassing of the cooler so that oil can flow intothe filtration area of the head portion 146 and shell 104 and to thefilter cartridge 29. This may occur for example, if the cooler component116 is blocked. Bypass passage 140 can allow bypassing of the filtercartridge, so that oil can flow to the channel 120. This may occur forexample, if the filter media of the filter cartridge is blocked.

With further reference to FIG. 13, a bypass valve 148 may be disposedover the bypass passage 138. In one example, the valve 148 of the bypasspassage 138 can be pressure regulated such that when pressure in channel118 is high enough (e.g. if the cooler component 116 is blocked), thenthe valve 148 will open allowing oil to flow through the bypass passage138. FIG. 15 also shows the bypass valve 148 over where the bypasspassage 138 is positioned. A bypass valve 150 may also be similarlydisposed where bypass passage 140 is positioned (see e.g. FIG. 17). FIG.16 shows a bypass valve 134 at the system bypass channel 124 and port114.

FIG. 17 shows the filtration module 100 in one example of an explodedconfiguration. As shown, the filtration module 100 includes the flowbody 102 with a head portion 146. The head portion 146 receives theshell 104 and filter cartridge 29, which includes the endplate with theseparator 10. The shell 104 can have threads 144 and be connected tothreads of the head portion 146. The shell 104 is sealed to the headportion 146 by the seal member 142 when they are connected. Theseparator 10 on the endplate of the cartridge 29 can be received by theflow body 102 at the head portion 146, such that the first flow portion14 and second flow portion 16 of the separator 10 can be in fluidcommunication with the inlet 128 and outlet 130 of the flow body 102. Inthis view, some of the channels are shown, e.g. channels 118, 120. Thecooler component 116 is connected underneath the flow body 102, Valves148, 150 are shown in FIG. 17. Valve 148 is for the bypass passage 138and valve 150 is for the bypass passage 140. As with valve 148, valve150 may also be but is not limited to a pressure regulated valve.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show the drain port 112 up close and show one embodimentof a drain plug 113. The drain port 112 and drain plug 113 can help tomake servicing more easy and clean. For example, during maintenance,replacement of a filter cartridge, and/or installation of a filtercartridge, the drain plug 113 can be removed, such as by unscrewing thedrain plug 113 from the drain port 112. Partial removal of the drainplug 113 and release of its seals 115, e.g. o-ring seals, can allow usedoil to drain from the filtration module 100, for example through thebypass port 114 of bypass channel 124. Full removal of the drain plug113 can allow for drainage through the drain port 112. However, in someinstances, it may be desired to not fully remove the drain plug 113, asthis might cause dirty oil to leave the filter which in some cases is tobe avoided.

FIGS. 20-24 show another embodiment of a separator 200 for a filtercartridge endplate 202. The separator 200 can be configured similarly asseparator 10 of endplate 12, and can include the flow structure of firstflow portion 14 and second flow portion 16. And the endplate 202 withits separator 200 can be connected as part of a filter cartridge, e.g.filter cartridge 28, 29.

One main difference is with the endplate 202, which as a retentionstructure. For example, the endplate 202 in one embodiment has aretention flange 204 with a barb 206. The retention flange 204 and barb206 can engage a catch 105 formed on an inner surface of the shell 104.The retention flange 204 and barb 206 retain the filter cartridge 29within the shell 104.

FIG. 21 shows the shell 104 with the cartridge 29 retained thereinconnected to the head portion 146 of the filtration module 100. FIG. 22is a close-up sectional view showing the barb 206 and retention flange204 engaged with the catch 105 and inner surface of the shell 104. Asshown, two retention flanges 204 and each with a respective barb 206 maybe employed on the endplate 202.

In one embodiment, each retention flange 204 also includes a release bar208. The release bar 208 allows for the filter cartridge 29, to whichthe endplate 202 is connected, to be released from the shell 104 andremoved therefrom and allows for connection to the shell. In oneembodiment, the release bar 208 is biased, such that by pressing itinward against its biased direction and toward the endplate 202, thebarb 206 can be released from the catch 105 of the shell and allowsremoval of the filter cartridge 29 from the shell 104.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show the filter cartridge 29 retained within the shell104 as a single unit that can be removed from the flow body of thefiltration module for servicing and/or maintenance. For example, whenthe shell 104 is removed from the head portion 146 of the flow body 102,such as by un-screwing, the filter cartridge 29 and shell 104 areremoved together. Once removed, the barb 206 can then be released bypressing the release bar 208, and the filter cartridge 29 removed.Likewise, the filter cartridge 29 could be installed in the shell bypressing the release bar 208 to allow the barb to be positioned into thecatch 105 of the shell 104, Releasing pressure from the release bar 208allows it to return to its biased position, which allows the barb 206 toengage the catch 105. Then the filter cartridge 29 and the shell 104 canbe installed together onto the head portion 146 of the flow body 102.The shell 104 can have threads at 107 which would be connectable withthreads on the head portion 146. Seal 242 similar to seal 142 may beemployed to maintain a seal between the shell 104 and the head portion146.

In another example, the integrated flow structure can be employed toseparate fluids that exit the filter cartridge, rather than to separateincoming and outgoing fluids. FIGS. 25-28 show embodiments of aseparator 300, 500 that may be used for both exit of filtered fluid andexit or drainage of a separated fluid.

FIGS. 25-28 show embodiments of an integrated flow structure builtwithin an endplate. The integrated flow structure includes a separatorthat can generally be constructed to resemble a spud that protrudesaxially away from a major surface of the endplate. In the embodimentsshown, the separator is disposed about a center of the endplate. In oneexample, the separator extends axially from and may be centered along acenter line through the endplate.

FIG. 25 shows one embodiment of a separator 300 on an endplate 302. Theendplate 302 is connected as part of a filter cartridge that has filtermedia 322 and a center tube 324. It will be appreciated that the filtercartridge, while partially shown, may be constructed and configured asany of filter cartridge 28, 29 or differently than those describedabove. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge can be a top load typefilter cartridge, such as for example in fuel water separator of a fuelfiltration system. FIG. 26 shows the filter cartridge connected toendplate 302 and the separator 300 and also connected to a filtrationmodule. FIG. 26 shows a fluid flow configuration through the separator300 and endplate 302.

The separator 300 includes a first flow portion 304 connected to asecond flow portion 306. In one embodiment, the first flow portion 304may be an outlet for filtered fluid to exit the filter cartridge and theendplate 302. In one embodiment, the second flow portion 306 may be anoutlet for fluid drained from the filter cartridge. For ease ofdescription, the first flow portion 304 and second flow portion 306 bothare described as outlets for exiting fluid. However it will beappreciated that either of the first flow portion 304 or second flowportion 306 may be employed as an inlet for fluid, such as for examplefluid to be filtered as in the separators e.g. 10, 200.

As one example, the separator 300 and endplate 302 may be employed in afuel filter cartridge, for example a fuel water separator, such that theseparator 300 is used to exit filtered fuel and exit drained water thathas been separated from the fuel by the filter cartridge. It will beappreciated that the separator 300 and endplate are not limited to usein fuel water separators, as other filtration applications may employthe structure of the separator 300 and endplate 302.

As shown, the first flow portion 304 is disposed radially inwardrelative to the second flow portion 306. The first flow portion 304 hasan outlet formed by channel 312 and the second flow portion 306 has anoutlet formed by channel 318. Jr. one embodiment, the first flow portion304 and second flow portion 306 are concentrically arranged. Forexample, filtered fluid such as for example fuel, can exit through theendplate 302 and through the outlet available through the channel 312,and drained fluid such as for example water, can enter the separator 300of the endplate structure through the outlet available through channel318.

In one example, the channels 312, 318 allow for axial flow to and fromthe endplate 302, and are disposed toward the center of the endplate302.

In one embodiment, the channel 312 includes a side opening 314 which isin fluid communication with the channel 312. The side opening 314 allowsfiltered fluid to exit the separator 300 and endplate 302.

In one embodiment, there are two channels 318. In one embodiment, thesecond flow portion 306 includes at least one side opening 316, such asa side opening for each channel 318. Two side openings 316 are shown,but it will be appreciated that there may be more than two ifappropriate, for example if there are more than two channels 318. Theside opening 316 is in fluid communication with its respective channel318, and directs flow into the side of the second flow portion 306 andinto the channel 318. Fluid flow is directed from the sides of thefilter cartridge and/or rim of the endplate 302 into the second flowportion 306. It will be appreciated that if the side opening(s) 316 andchannel 318 are employed as an inlet, then flow would enter channel 318of the separator 10 and flow out from the side opening 316 toward thesides of the filter cartridge and/or rim of the endplate 302.

The separator 300 may include sealing capability, for example when acartridge, to which the endplate 302 is connected, connects to areceiving portion of a filtration module. In one embodiment, groove 308and groove 310 are respectively disposed on the second flow portion 306,Each of groove 308, 310 may have a seal member disposed in each groove,such as but not limited to an o-ring or gasket type seal member. Forexample, the seal members in grooves 308, 310 seals filtered fluidexiting the side opening 314 from drained fluid that exits the channel318 and operating drain 338 of the filtration module. See FIG. 26. Insome embodiments, the first flow portion 304 includes a plug 320 with agroove 330 for a sealing member to be disposed therein. The plug 320 canplug a service drain 340 of a filtration module such as during engineoperation and when the filter cartridge is installed. When the filtercartridge is removed, the plug 320 is removed and the seal released, sothat fluid that may remain in the filtration module can be drained andthe filter cartridge can be serviced and/or replaced.

It will also be appreciated that instead of grooves 308, 310, and 330,the outer surface or rim of the first flow portion 304 and the secondflow portion 306 may be constructed as sealing portions without the needfor extra sealing members, such as for example by interference fit orpress fit against respective surfaces of a filtration module thatreceives the separator 300.

With further reference to FIG. 26, the fluid flow configuration can besuch that drained fluid, e.g. water that has separated from fuel entersthe side opening 316 of the second flow portion 306 and flows throughchannel 318 and out of the separator 300 and endplate 302 throughoperative drain 338. Filtered fluid such as for example fuel exitsthrough the endplate 302 after being filter by filter media 322 andflows through channel 312 and exits through side opening 314 to anoutlet 334 of a filtration module, such as a fuel filter housing. Theplug 320 plugs service drain 340 until the filter cartridge is removed.

FIG. 27 shows a slight variation of the separator 300 and endplate 302connected as part of a dual stage (or filter in filter) filter cartridgehaving a first stage media 422 and a second stage media 424. The fluidflow configuration is similar to that of the filter cartridge of FIGS.25-26, where the flow characteristics of the separator 300 are employed,for example after a fluid to be filtered passes through the first stage422. The slight variation of the separator 300 and endplate 302 is thata recess 301 is included which accommodates the center tube of thesecond media stage 424.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a separator 500 fora filter cartridge endplate. The separator 500 and endplate are shownconnected as part of a filter cartridge and connected to a filtrationmodule. FIG. 28 also shows a fluid flow configuration through theendplate and separator 500. Similar to FIG. 27, the filter cartridge isanother example of a dual stage (or filter in filter) type filtercartridge, with first media stage 522 and second media stage 524. Thedifference from FIG. 27 is that the media stage 524 is shorter thanmedia stage 522. To accommodate the different sized filter media of thecartridge, the endplate structure is modified as a dual plate 502, 503structure connected respectively at the end of each media 522, 524,Between plates 502, 503, a side opening 516 is in fluid communicationwith channel 518, which can allow for fluid such as water separated fromfuel to drain out of the filter cartridge, separator 500 and endplatestructure. Filtered fluid can exit through both plates 502, 503 intochannel 512 and out the side opening 514. The fluid flow configurationis similar to that of FIG. 27 but for the variation of the endplatestructure (two plates 502, 503) to accommodate the different height (orlengths) of the media stages 522, 524.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from thespirit or novel characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed inthis application are to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are intended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A filter cartridge endplate structure withan integrated flow structure, comprising: a plate with a major surface;a retention mechanism comprising: a retention flange extending from anouter rim of the plate, and a barb protruding radially from theretention flange, the barb configured to engage a catch provided in ashell so as to retain: the plate, and a filter cartridge coupled to thefilter cartridge endplate structure within the shell; and a separatorthat protrudes axially away from the major surface of the plate, theseparator including a first flow portion and a second flow portion, thefirst flow portion disposed radially inward relative to the second flowportion, the first and second flow portions concentrically arrangedrelative to the plate and disposed toward a center of the major surfaceof the plate.
 2. The filter cartridge endplate structure of claim 1,wherein the retention flange comprises a release bar extending axiallyfrom the retention flange away from the major surface of the plate, andwherein the barb protrudes radially from the release bar, the releasebar configured to be engaged so as to disengage the barb from the catch.3. The filter cartridge endplate structure of claim 2, wherein therelease bar is biased when the barb engages the catch, and whereindisplacing the release bar against a biased direction of the release bartowards the filter cartridge endplate structure causes the barb todisengage from the catch, thereby enabling the filter cartridge to beremoved from the shell.
 4. The filter cartridge endplate structure ofclaim 1, wherein the first flow portion includes a first channel, thesecond flow portion includes a second channel, the first and secondchannels are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate,and wherein the first and second channels are configured to allow fluidflow that is localized toward the center of the plate.
 5. The filtercartridge endplate structure of claim 4, wherein at least one of thefirst flow portion and the second flow portion includes a side openingin fluid communication with one of the first channel and the secondchannel.
 6. The filter cartridge endplate structure of claim 5, whereinthe side opening is configured to direct the fluid away from the centerof the plate and toward sides of the plate.
 7. The filter cartridgeendplate structure of claim 4, wherein the first flow portion and thesecond flow portion are configured to allow a fluid to be filtered toflow toward the center of the plate and through the first channel of thefirst flow portion, and configured to allow filtered fluid to flowthrough the center of the plate and out of the filter cartridge.
 8. Afilter cartridge comprising a filter media with an endplate structuredisposed on each end thereof, one of the endplate structures comprising:a plate with a major surface; a retention mechanism comprising: aretention flange extending from an outer rim of the plate, and a barbprotruding radially from the retention flange, the barb configured toengage a catch provided in a shell so as to retain the filter cartridgewithin the shell; and a separator that protrudes axially away from themajor surface of the plate, the separator including a first flow portionand a second flow portion, the first flow portion disposed radiallyinward relative to the second flow portion, the first and second flowportions concentrically arranged relative to the plate and disposedtoward a center of the major surface of the plate.
 9. The filtercartridge of claim 8, wherein the retention flange comprises a releasebar extending axially from the retention flange away from the majorsurface of the plate, and wherein the barb protrudes radially from therelease bar, the release bar configured to be engaged so as to disengagethe barb from the catch.
 10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, whereinthe release bar is biased when the barb engages the catch, and whereindisplacing the release bar against a biased direction of the release bartowards the endplate structure causes the barb to disengage from thecatch, thereby enabling the filter cartridge to be removed from theshell.
 11. The filter cartridge of claim 8, wherein the first flowportion includes a first channel, the second flow portion includes asecond channel, the first and second channels are configured to allowaxial fluid flow relative to the plate, and wherein the first and secondchannels are configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward thecenter of the plate.
 12. The filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein atleast one of the first flow portion and the second flow portion includesa side opening in fluid communication with one of the first channel andthe second channel.
 13. The filter cartridge of claim 12, wherein theside opening is configured to direct the fluid away from the center ofthe plate and toward sides of the plate.
 14. The filter cartridge ofclaim 8, wherein the first flow portion and the second flow portion areconfigured to allow a fluid to be filtered to flow toward the center ofthe plate and through the first channel of the first flow portion, andconfigured to allow filtered fluid to flow through the center of theplate and out of the filter cartridge.